U.S., War Department, Press Releases and Related Records, 1942-1945

Did your ancestor’s war story make the papers? This record collection in Ancestry Library Edition (Ancestry LE) consists of press releases created by the U.S. Army’s Ground Special Information Section and sent to newspapers for publication in the United States. Many press releases tell stories of meritorious service by individual soldiers, while a lesser number recount the exploits of specific units.

Details provided by press releases vary, but can include name, birthplace, age, rank and unit, occupation prior to enlistment, residence at time of enlistment, family member names and places of residence, medal and citation details, and miscellaneous other information.

Not all stories recount heroic or valorous actions. One such story is that of Lou Corrigan, a member of the Army Quartermaster Corps who was given the job of securing “dainty underthings” for 48 Army nurses and WACs from startled/bemused French shopkeepers.

War Department press release (Defense.gov photo)

You can search for individuals, or browse by Press Release Number. Search results provide the following information:

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